Review: GAC Motor GS5

I posted previously about Mutawa Al Kazi acquiring a car brand that’s new to Kuwait, GAC Motor. They’ve now launched two car models, a salon and an SUV and asked if I was interested in reviewing one so I picked the SUV.

GAC Motor is a Chinese automobile maker that also manufactures cars in China for other brands including Fiat, Honda, Mitsubishi, and Toyota. It’s currently the 3rd-largest automaker in China according to what was told to me. To give you a scale of how huge they are, the company manufactured 740,400 vehicles in 2011. Parts used in cars come from all over the world.

My favourite feature was the first one I was introduced to, the multi-functional keyless entry, just added so much convenience. You enter the car, turn it on, shut it off and lock it without touching the key. Though the key has to be in your pocket, obviously. The AC was a freezer when you wanted it to be.

The interior was packed with features, things like bluetooth connection, AUX, SD card, GPRS card, iPod. The TV icon wasn’t functional at the time and although the 7 inch screen looked great it wasn’t that clear when in direct sunlight. Fortunately the screen was a touch screen, so I didn’t have to navigate using a confusing cursor like in most cars.

The SUV came with a 2 liter 147 horse power engine. Although that doesn’t sound like much the engine was super loud. I had people turn their head thinking a super sport car was about to pass them by.

The car didn’t really feel high-end luxury, but then again it’s selling for around KD 5,000 with a 11 year warranty (or half a million kilometers) with 3 years of service. So their aim is to have a well priced car with a ton of features on board. You can request a test drive by contacting them [here].

I have driven the car…
1) Pick up is not quite responsive for 2.0L, even a Hyundai elantra 1.8L has got a better pickup.
2) ABS is not so effective when it comes to urgent braking, as the vehicle is a bit shaky or skiddy.
3) Aircon was a little on the poor side as I didn’t feel it cooling at the vents.